Winter Maintenance Tips

For the daily drive, even in light snow and icy conditions, all-weather tires should be all you need for a safe commute. Just make sure you’ve got sufficient tread and proper tire pressure. Tires that are poorly inflated or bald and worn are more likely to lose grip and slide on icy roads. You may benefit from switching to snow tires in severe weather and on treacherous, icy roads. Snow tires provide better traction and control and may be necessary if you live in a rural area where roads aren’t salted and plowed as frequently.

The colder it is, the less power can be delivered by your battery to start the engine. An old, worn-out battery might be able to start your car in the summer but might not be able to get the engine going once the mercury drops. To find out, visit our service center for a battery inspection. We can test the battery and tell you just how much life you have left in your battery and install a quality replacement if needed for the coming winter.

When ice and snow can cause your vehicle to slide, stopping distances may increase. It’s important to drive slow and give yourself plenty of space to come to a stop. That’s why it’s essential to make sure your brakes are in good shape. Have a technician inspect your vehicle’s braking system to ensure maximum control and stopping power.

Old, cracked, and worn wiper blades can leave streaks across the windshield and smear mud that blocks your view in snowy weather. This can be a safety hazard, so make sure your wiper blades are ready for winter. Wiper blades should be replaced every year for the best performance.

Did you know not all washer fluids are suited for winter weather? Make sure the fluid in your vehicle’s system is rated for winter weather. Winter washer fluid can help melt snow and ice that builds up on your windshield. By contrast, some cheap washer fluids that aren’t rated for winter can freeze in the lines! Washer fluid is important to keep your windshield clear in snowy conditions.

The same system that keeps the cabin warm is also responsible for running the defroster, helping melt ice, and keeping your windshield from fogging up. If the heater on your car isn’t working its best, be sure to get it checked out this winter by our technicians at Volkswagen of Moon Township.

The HVAC system and the engine’s coolant system are closely related. The coolant draws heat away from the engine to heat the cabin and flows to the heater core, which warms the air as it comes through the vents. Some cheap engine coolants may freeze in frigid temperatures. So, make sure your vehicle is equipped with a coolant rated for cold temperatures (aka antifreeze). This will both protect your engine from overheating and ensure your cabin stays comfortable this winter.

Winter weather means more salt, gravel, and other debris on the roads that can damage your windshield. What’s more, fluctuating temperatures can cause the windshield glass to expand and contract, turning a small chip into a huge crack over time! If you have chips in your windshield, have them fixed by a professional before the temperature drops. Minor chips can often be repaired, whereas major cracks typically mean you’ll need to have the whole windshield replaced instead.